About the Miami chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists
The Society of Professional Journalists is a national organization dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of the nation and its liberties. Headquartered in Indianapolis, it represents and supports some 9,000 journalists around the globe, including students studying at Miami University and elsewhere.
SPJ's mission, as stated at www.spj.org, is to:
- promote the flow of information.
- maintain constant vigilance in protection of the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press.
- stimulate high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism.
- foster excellence among journalists.
- inspire successive generations of talented individuals to become dedicated journalists.
- encourage diversity in journalism.
- be the pre-eminent, broad-based membership organization for journalists.
- encourage a climate in which journalism can be practiced freely.
The Miami University chapter of SPJ seeks to fulfill this mission with regular programs and projects. Among recent topics: Internships and post-graduation jobs (how to land them and do well at them); investigative reporting; changes in journalism education at Miami; and coverage of labor issues (specifically the strike of hourly workers at Miami). The chapter also regularly takes part in events featuring visiting journalists, hosts frequent social events and sponsors an annual writing competition.
All journalism students are welcome to join the national organization and its Miami chapter. The cost of membership ($36 for national, plus $5 in local dues) includes a subscription to the magazine Quill. To obtain a membership form, contact chapter adviser Patricia Gallagher Newberry at 529-5893 or newberpg@muohio.edu, or visit www.spj.org to download or request a form (click on "join spj").
Chapter events are publicized on the Journalism listserv, on a bulletin board outside the English Department office in Bachelor 356 and in fliers posted in Bachelor and Williams halls. Watch those spaces, too, for meetings to recruit officers and members.